The Year Ahead: Fostering a Safe and Thriving Community
Entrance to Wetmore Hall, New College, 300 Huron Street. Photo Credit: A.Rodrigues
The start of the academic year is always a special time on campus – marked not only by the change in temperature and fallen leaves on sidewalks but also by the renewed energy that comes as students are welcomed back to residence, classes and facilities at New College and the University of Toronto. This is an exciting time for new and returning students as they look forward to academic success.
At New College, the safety and well-being of our students are at the core of our community. We’re committed to providing a supportive environment where students can focus on thriving, both academically and personally. For this reason, we continue to prioritize resources and services that focus on well-being, mental health and personal development, ensuring students have easily accessible tools and supports to succeed inside and outside the classroom.
Our Registrar’s Office provides academic advising and offers a range of academic resources to support students such as tutoring through Math and Statistics aid centres, a learning strategist to offer guidance in developing sustainable habits when tackling assignments, a career educator to explore career options, international student advisors, counselling (well-being and mental health) and so much more.
The Office of Residence and Student Life welcomed Shari Chan to the new role of Assistant to the Dean, Wellness and Engagement to provide a variety of wellness supports, services and programs for the New College community. If you would like to get in touch with Shari to discuss available resources, please email: new.wellness@utoronto.ca.
We also encourage students, staff, librarians and faculty to explore the various supports available at U of T which include the Mental Health Portal, Sexual Violence Prevention and Support Centre, and Telus Health Student Support to only name a few. Also, U of T Campus Safety is available 24/7 to report any concerns on campus (416-978-2222). For a full list of other available resources, check below.
In response to the security incidents encountered last year, New College has implemented various measures to enhance safety in our community. These include:
- Security cameras at New College entrances alongside signage that indicates public areas are being monitored
- Access-control fobs for all New College residence washrooms
- Updates to residence bathrooms
- For individual stalls with glass partitions, we have added shower curtains to provide floor-to-ceiling privacy
- Retrofits for eye-proofing shower stalls (floor-to-ceiling privacy) in shared bathrooms are ongoing as we work with building engineers to ensure we maintain the necessary airflow
- Signage along residence access points reminding that tailgating is not allowed (allowing someone to enter the residence behind you without using their own key)
- Signage in residence discouraging the use of cell phones in bathrooms
- Campus Safety continuing to patrol New College buildings
Together, we’ll continue to foster an empowered community that is ready to succeed. We welcome all suggestions and feedback at nc.principal@utoronto.ca. Let’s shape this exciting new chapter.
Sincerely,
Principal Bob Gazzale
Supports Available on Campus:
Students:
- Mental Health Portal
- Telus Health Student Support (24/7 support via phone or chat)
Faculty, staff and librarians:
- Employee and Family Assistance Program (available 24/7, 365 days a year) – 1-855-597-2110
U of T Campus Safety App
Sexual Violence Prevention and Support Centre
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence or sexual harassment, the University’s Sexual Violence Prevention and Support Centre can help you understand, access and navigate supports such as counselling, medical services, academic or workplace accommodations, financial aid and legal aid. This includes helping you understand your reporting options.
Hours: Mon-Fri from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Telephone: 416-978-2266
Email: svpscentre@utoronto.ca
Community Safety Office
The Community Safety Office offers short-term support and assistance to U of T community members who have experienced personal safety concerns. They can work with you to develop a personal safety plan to address your on-campus safety concerns and explore a variety of other support resources that may be appropriate in the community and on-campus.
Hours: Mon-Fri from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Telephone: 416-978-1485
Email: community.safety@utoronto.ca
TravelSafer
This is a 24/7 service available to the U of T community and is available to and from all U of T buildings or abutting TTC stations. This service can be arranged by calling 416-978-SAFE (7233) or by using the U of T Safety App to arrange an escort.
Virtual TravelSafer and Mobile Bluelight
These features are available through the U of T Safety App and can be used to trigger a distress beacon, in the event of an emergency, to send your location to a Campus Safety dispat